0000000000495063
AUTHOR
U Di Blasi
The PCSK9 gene: a new gene controlling cholesterolemia
The distribution of cholesterol plasma is regulated by complex interactions between genes and environmental factors. Mutations of PCSK9 gene seem to modulate the levels of LDLC. Mutations of PCSK9 gene with gain of function are associated to hypercholesterolemia and mutations with loss of function determine hypocholesterolemia.
Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in complications of thoracic aortic aneurysm
Objectve: Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases involved in extracellular matrix remodelling, associated with both physiopatological processes of several human tissues and systems, such as vascular system. It is well known their involvement in mediating both beneficial and pathological aorta effects, such as abdominal orta aneurysms and its complcations. On the contrary, unclear data exist about their role in the pathophysiology of sporadic thoracic aneurysm (TAA) and its complications. Thus, the aim of this study was to nalyse the role of MMPs in TAA complications, i.e. rupture and dissection.Methods: Aortic specimens obtained from 73 patients (51 men and 22 women, age 61.7 years) a…
Dizziness and vertigo in a department of emergency medicine.
Dizziness is a common and vexing diagnostic problem in emergency departments. The term is rather undefinite and often misused, but can in practice be classified into four categories: fainting, disequilibrium, vertigo and miscellaneous syndromes. Vertigo is the most common category of dizziness. Classification of vertigo can be based either on chronological criteria (acute, recurrent or chronic vertigo) or on topographical criteria (peripheral or central vertigo). Physicians working in emergency departments must be able to rapidly identify patients with potentially serious forms of vertigo, which could cause death or disability, and patients with mild conditions, that can be effectively trea…